The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based self-proclaimed leader of the Biafrans, is now officially charged with terrorism in the country.
Ekpa has been charged with inciting violence and causing instability in Nigeria’s South-East on social media. Authorities in Finland say the charges concern behavior that threatens public safety and national security—both within Finland and elsewhere.
The DSS confirmed that they have been working in tandem with Finnish security agencies and foreign partners to monitor Ekpa’s activities. They called him a key figure in spreading hate speech and promoting violent activities through media broadcasts.
Simon Ekpa became prominent in 2021 after announcing that he would assume leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest. Ekpa ditched peaceful approaches and started advocating for sit-at-home protests and civil disobedience, which most times resulted in violence, fatalities, and destruction in some of the South-East regions.
In February 2023, Ekpa was briefly arrested by Finnish police after Nigeria had sent a diplomatic protest. Although released at the time, the investigation into his activities had continued. Formal charges have now been lodged.
The DSS asserts his actions have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and general insecurity in the majority of the communities. They assert that no one—both within and outside Nigeria—will be allowed to fuel violence and go unpunished.
The Nigerian government also welcomed Finland’s legal action in broad daylight and wishes it will serve as a strong warning to other foreign-based agitators fanning trouble in Nigeria from abroad.
Security analysts also anticipate that the cooperation between Nigeria and Finland would lead to additional arrest and prosecution of the sponsors of cross-border crimes as well as online terrorism.
Lastly, the case of terrorism against Simon Ekpa is a monumental step in the global fight against violent extremism. As per the authorities, justice has to be served, and anyone who promotes violence, anywhere in the world, will be paid in their own coin.
